Steak and Queso Rice

Sizzling steak meets creamy, velvety queso in this mouthwatering Steak and Queso Rice dish that combines the best of Tex-Mex flavors in one irresistible bowl. The tender, juicy steak pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy queso sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy, seasoned rice that soaks up every bit of flavor. Whether you’re craving comfort food or hosting a dinner party, this Steak and Queso Rice will quickly become your new go-to recipe. You’ll learn how to perfectly cook the steak, prepare a homemade queso that beats any restaurant version, and bring it all together in a satisfying meal that’s impressive yet surprisingly simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Steak and Queso Rice recipe stands out for so many reasons. First, it’s an incredible blend of textures—the tender, slightly charred steak provides a satisfying chew while the smooth, creamy queso sauce creates a luxurious mouthfeel that coats each grain of fluffy rice. The dish strikes the perfect balance between hearty and indulgent, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

The versatility of this dish is another major selling point. You can easily customize the spice level to suit your preferences, from mild and family-friendly to fiery and bold. The queso cheese sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like it’s been simmering all day, with depth and richness that elevates the entire dish.

Perhaps best of all, despite its impressive presentation and complex flavors, this Steak and Queso Rice is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Even if you’re new to cooking steak or making homemade cheese sauce, the clear instructions will guide you to restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 1½ lbs flank steak or ribeye, at room temperature
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder

For the Rice:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Queso Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 4 oz white American cheese, shredded
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

For Garnish:

• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Lime wedges

Pro Tips

Mastering the perfect Steak and Queso Rice requires attention to a few crucial details. First, for the best steak texture, always bring your meat to room temperature before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that beautiful sear while maintaining a juicy interior. Pat the steak dry with paper towels before seasoning—excess moisture prevents proper browning and that coveted crust formation.

The queso sauce is the heart of this dish, and the key to silky smoothness is low, steady heat. Rushing this step by using high heat can cause the cheese to separate or become grainy. Add the shredded cheese gradually, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more. For the creamiest result, grate your cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.

When combining all components, timing is everything. Cook your rice first, as it can stay warm while you prepare the other elements. The steak should rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain its juices, and the queso should be made last and kept warm until serving. This ensures each element is at its peak when the dish comes together, maximizing both flavor and texture in your Steak and Queso Rice.

Instructions

Step 1

Begin by preparing the rice. Rinse 2 cups of long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the rice and stir for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted. Pour in the chicken broth and add salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in chopped cilantro.

Step 2

While the rice cooks, prepare your steak. Pat the steak dry with paper towels and place it on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil on both sides. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder, then rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the steak. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat.

Step 3

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot. Place the steak in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving it to develop a good crust. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust timing to your preferred doneness. Transfer the steak to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 4

While the steak rests, prepare the queso sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheeses, a handful at a time, whisking until completely melted before adding more. Stir in the diced green chilies, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and has reached your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.

Step 6

Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips. This cutting technique is crucial for tender bites in your Steak and Queso Rice. The thinner you slice, the more tender each bite will be. To serve, place a generous portion of cilantro rice in each bowl, top with sliced steak, and drizzle with the warm queso sauce. Garnish with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, additional cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges as desired.

Variations

For a lighter version of Steak and Queso Rice, substitute brown rice for white rice and use reduced-fat milk instead of heavy cream in the queso sauce. You can also swap the steak for grilled chicken breast or even sautéed shrimp for a different protein option that works beautifully with the cheesy rice base. This seafood twist creates a delicious coastal-inspired dish while maintaining the creamy, satisfying nature of the original.

To create a vegetarian steak and queso rice bowl, replace the meat with grilled portobello mushrooms sliced into strips or roasted cauliflower florets tossed in the same spice blend. The meaty texture of mushrooms particularly mimics the steak experience while absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the seasonings. For a spicier version that packs some heat, add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your queso, and incorporate a teaspoon of cayenne into your steak or vegetable seasoning.

Storage and Serving

Steak and Queso Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the components separately—keep the rice, steak, and queso sauce in different containers to maintain their individual textures. When reheating, warm the rice with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture, heat the steak gently to avoid overcooking, and warm the queso sauce on low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk if needed to restore its creamy consistency.

For serving suggestions, try creating a Steak and Queso Rice bowl bar where family members can customize their own bowls with various toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, black beans, or corn. This interactive approach makes for a fun dinner experience and allows everyone to adjust flavors to their liking. For a more formal presentation, serve the components family-style on a large platter with the sliced steak arranged over the rice and the queso sauce drizzled on top, garnished with fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy appearance.

Another delicious way to enjoy leftovers is to use them as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or to create hearty burritos wrapped in large flour tortillas, perfect for lunch the next day.

FAQs

What cut of steak works best for Steak and Queso Rice?
Flank steak, ribeye, or strip steak work exceptionally well for this recipe. Flank is more economical while still offering great flavor, while ribeye provides more marbling and tenderness. Just remember to slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Can I make the queso sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the queso sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat slowly over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk to thin it if necessary.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Add more cayenne pepper to the queso sauce, incorporate diced jalapeños with seeds, or add a dash of hot sauce like Tabasco or Cholula to increase the heat level to your preference.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the queso?
While Monterey Jack and white American cheese create the creamiest texture, you can substitute with cheddar, pepper jack for extra spice, or even a Mexican cheese blend. Just be aware that some cheeses may not melt as smoothly.

What can I substitute for rice in this recipe?
If you’re looking for alternatives to rice, try serving the steak and queso over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, quinoa for added protein, or even roasted sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Steak and Queso Rice is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of tender, flavorful steak, creamy homemade queso, and perfectly seasoned rice that satisfies on every level. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between everyday dining and special occasion cooking, versatile enough for a quick family dinner yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The combination of textures and flavors—from the charred exterior of the steak to the velvety cheese sauce—creates a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or make it your own with personal touches, this Steak and Queso Rice is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

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